Letter to the Editor

 

Letter to The Editor

Coronado Common Sense

 

October 29, 2010

 

          RE:  Anticipated Demolition - 1105 F Ave

 

     As an indication of what the public may be expected to endure for a very long time, this Rent-A-Fence and Port-A-Potty have been erected at the corner of F Avenue and Tolita.  Please note that the supports for the fence rest on top of our public sidewalk, well into the public right-of-way.  You may find that they present a hazard to pedestrians.

 

     It is disturbing that Mayor and Council conducted this process without ever asking as to what will be built in its place.  As a lifelong resident, my recollection is that pursuant to Municipal Code, and in accordance with Coronado's Housing Element, a residence may not be demolished without a plan first being approved for its replacement.  Further, construction on the new residence must commence within twenty (20) business days following demolition.  Coronado receives certain public funding in exchange for not reducing the number of available dwelling units.  Removal of a viable dwelling unit disrespects the Housing Element.  It also deprives the community and the school district of the appropriate revenue from property taxes.

 

     Although Mayor Tanaka and Councilmembers Woiwode, Downey, and Ovrom voted to overide efforts by City Staff and the Historic Resource Commission to save this historic residence, I recommend for Staff to look into the following:

 

     1)  If the Applicant is not the current registered owner of the property, the City may be overstepping its authority in issuing to the Applicant a demolition permit.

 

     2)  Within Coronado's General Plan, in particular within the Housing Element, it could be a violation of State Law to allow demolition of a residence without the Jurisdiction's first having an approved plan in place for its replacement.

  

Yours truly,

Jerry Toci

 

Comments

[Earle Callahan]

It has been obvious for many years that the builders, banks, and realtors really determine what is built, where, and how in the City. The second- class citizens' views don't count. Remember the Proposition that the voters won, but was overturned by the City? Maybe it is time for a big change like the recent national election?